Abstract
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation offers potentially life-saving
portal decompression regardless of patient age or size, but has been underutilized
in pediatric patients to date. Experience has therefore been limited, and the full
clinical benefit in this population is yet to be realized. Those wishing to embark
on pediatric TIPSs would benefit not only from significant experience in adult TIPSs,
but also from an awareness of challenges posed by the unique pediatric population.
We herein review the etiologies and manifestations of portal hypertension more common
in children, highlight some of the technical nuances of creating TIPSs in smaller
anatomy, and summarize the existing literature on the topic. As extrahepatic portal
vein occlusion (EHPVO) occurs with greater frequency in pediatric patients, special
attention is paid to this condition and its associated challenges.
Keywords
portal hypertension - pediatric - transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
